By Emma Lelliott
The Caribbean is known for its wildlife, and naturally Cuba is no exception. However,
if you don't know what you're looking for, you can miss an awful lot - especially with the
world's smallest humming bird, and a frog smaller than a penny are endemic to the island!
Here's a guide to the animals of Cuba that you should look out for on your visit to the
island.
Firstly, birdwatching in Cuba is reason to visit in itself, and the Caribbean's avian
life is both graceful and colourful. Here are some of the more memorable birds you might
see amidst Cuba's wildlife:
The Cuban Trogan
Known as Cuba's national bird, because it shares the same colours as the Cuban flag -
blue, red and white. Found in forests near streams, it is notable for its dark green head
and wings, bright red belly and white chest. They feed on insects, fruits and by hovering
on flowers.
Bee Hummingbird
The world's smallest bird is endemic to the island, and a highlight of Cuba's
birdwatching scene. Growing to a maximum length of 2.25 inches, it's typically found in
valleys, gardens and forests but has been labelled as 'threatened' since 2000 due to a
loss of its natural habitats.
Cuban Finch
Another small species, the Cuban Finch is 3 and a half inches of impressive energy!
Nesting in shrubs, it is best known for its beautiful yellow head, which males can fluff
up to attract mates!
Cuban Parakeet
The Cuban Parakeet, once a common sight for those birdwatching in Cuba has now become
something of a rarity thanks to destruction of habitat and trapping, as it was regarded as
a crop pest.
Those birdwatching in Cuba will likely find it in grasslands with palms, woodland edges
and in undisturbed forests. You should be able to spot it easily enough - it is bright
green with red spots on the head, neck and breast with red on the bend of the wing, and a
white band of flesh around the eyes.
Cuban Kite
In a distressingly familiar theme, the beautiful Cuba Kite is classified as 'critically
endangered' due to habitat loss. In fact, it was thought extinct until 3 Cuban Kites were
found on the east of the island.
The bird of prey lives in heavily forested land, and is thought to feed mainly on
snails.
Moving away from the opportunities for birdwatching that Cuba offers, the wildlife of
the island is equally impressive, though sadly in many cases the animals of Cuba are
equally endangered.
Cuban Hutia
The Cuban Hutia is the largest endemic land animal that Cuba has to offer, growing on
average to be around 60 centimetres in length. If you're looking to catch a sight of one
of these during your Cuban travel, you're best off looking around the forests and rocky
areas of the island, where you may spy the animal going about its daily business. It's an
omnivore and eats a combination of fruits, small reptiles, small mammals and leaves.
Cuban Solenodon
This insectivore was, like the Cuban Kite, once thought to be extinct, but has now been
'upgraded' to endangered status. You are unlikely to spy this sample of Cuba's wildlife by
chance, as it is largely nocturnal, and spends its days hiding in trees and under rocks,
mainly in forests and thick shrub habitats.
Cuban Boa
Listed as near threatened, those with a fear of snakes shouldn't worry about running
into one of these by chance! Also known as the Cuban Tree boa, thanks to the amount of
time it spends up in trees, those looking to see one in the wildlife of Cuba are best of
searching in woodland and rocky habitats.
Cuban Treefrog
Also up in the trees (unsurprisingly) is the Cuban Treefrog. If you're hoping to catch
sight of one amongst the Cuban wildlife, you will need to be around at night, when it is
active. It's carnivorous, and will eat pretty much anything it can catch, but even though
it's the largest species of treefrog in North America, that doesn't extend to humans!
Monte Iberia Dwarf Eleuth
The text for its name in this article actually takes up more space than the frog
itself! Growing to just 0.8mm long, you could fit 2-3 of these endangered frogs on a
single penny piece. It's small size and endangered status isn't the only reason you're
unlikely to spy one on holiday - they're also nocturnal, finding cover in the daytime.
The animals of Cuba are simply breathtaking, and the endangered nature of many of the
creatures means that seeing some of the species is likely a once in a lifetime experience.
Whether you're in Cuba for birdwatching, or simply taking in the history, an exploration
of the wildlife is a fascinating way to spend a few days.
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